Vacuum Assisted Birth - Everything You Need To Know

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Are you pregnant and thinking of exploring your delivery options? Do you wish to go for a natural delivery? Well, if you can relate to the above situations reading this post is a must!

Giving birth is a complex process no doubt, but there are various medical procedures to assist the same. However, sometimes these very procedures may also cause certain complications. Knowing about them beforehand will help you make an informed choice. Have you heard about vacuum assisted birth? Read on to know more about the pros and cons of this birthing technique.

What Is A Vacuum Assisted Delivery?

A vacuum assisted birth is a technique that involves the use of a vacuum extractor to help the baby move through the birth canal. [1]

[ Read: Stages Of Childbirth ]

When Does One Need A Vacuum Assisted Birth?

Your doctor will suggest you to go for a vacuum assisted birth in the following situations: [2]

If Your Labor Is Showing No Signs Of Progress: You may be pushing for two to three hours without

any luck. Your doctor may stall your labor now if you are expecting your first baby. In case you already have a baby, your doctor may stall your labor after one to two hours of pushing without any results.

Your Baby’s Heart Beat Shows Any Signs Of Distress: Sometimes, your doctor may notice some changes in your baby’s heartbeat. It could be a potential sign of your baby’s distress.

If You Have Certain Health Complications: In certain cases, your doctor will recommend a vacuum assisted birth on the basis of your health. It would help avoid your need to push the baby out.

[ Read: How To Push During Delivery ]

Vacuum Assisted Birth Complications:

Keep in mind that a vacuum assisted birth does pose certain risks and complications for both you and your baby [3]:

1. Risks To The Mother:

Risks or complications that you may face are as follows:

After the delivery, you may experience terrible pain in your perineum, the area that lies between your vagina and anus.

You may suffer from tears and wounds in your lower genital tract.

You may face difficulty in urinating. It is a short-term complication.

You may face urinary or fecal incontinence, in the short run. It means that you will not be able to control the passing of your urine or stool.

You may suffer from anemia, a condition in which your body will not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. It can occur due to the loss of blood during childbirth.

Your pelvic muscles may become weak. It can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which your pelvic organs slip out of their place. [4]

[ Read: Assisted Vaginal Delivery ]

2. Risks To The Baby:

Risks that your baby may face are as follows:

Scalp Injuries.

A fracture in the collar bone.

Injury to the nerves that send signals from your baby’s spine to the shoulder, hand and arms.

A skull fracture.

Injury and bleeding in the skull.

[ Read: Exercises For Normal Delivery ]

If your doctor recommends a vacuum assisted delivery, your baby’s stay in the hospital may be longer than usual. It will help the doctor monitor your newborn’s progress and rule out any complications. Your doctor may also tell you about signs you need to watch out for once you take your baby home. Make sure you discuss all this in advance with your doctor.

Did you have a vacuum assisted birth? Was there anything specific that your doctor discussed with you about it? Do share your experience here to help prepare other moms.